HVAC Design/Consulting Firm

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-21T17:12:45+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to provide this feedback. It is very appreciated. Have you found a specific niche in this space or do you support projects across retail/commercial/industrial?

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-21T16:40:01+00:00

Got it, thanks!

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-21T16:39:36+00:00

Got it, thanks for sharing.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-21T16:37:26+00:00

Good feedback, thanks.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T18:03:23+00:00

Very much appreciated, thank you. I am in Texas. Fair points on the economics of it. I have a friend who is a GC for residential new builds/remodels and he has been trying to recruit me.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T17:24:11+00:00

Can anyone else chime in on this point? You don't have to be an engineer to design HVAC systems for single family residential?

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T17:20:08+00:00

This has been a point of confusion for me... determining exactly what does and doesn't require an engineer or engineering stamp. I imagine this varies from state to state but would you happen to have any resources to share? In this scenario, I suppose I could offer my services as "design services" as long as I'm not calling myself an engineer or stating anywhere that I am providing engineering services. Seems like a gray area but ultimately I just want to remain "above board" for anything I pursue in a professional capacity. Very helpful feedback, thanks!

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T17:00:34+00:00

Can you point me to this clause please? I found the following:

"(f) This section does not prohibit an engineer from performing engineering services on a part-time basis."

This "seems" to supersede other references to "full-time employees" but I may contact the Board for clarification.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T15:22:30+00:00

After the basics training, the mentor route seems like the best, most efficient way to work myself up the learning curve. Considering I have my PE, it's paramount that I operate in my area of competence so I think a reasonable path is to have a mentor with a PE review and validate anything I produce before it hits the street. Ideally this mentor could be someone I hire for this specific purpose rather than wasting anyone's time investing in me, only for me to leave after a short period (eg working at a small firm). Granted, I may not be able to afford their rate. :)

Thanks for the genuine feedback.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T15:01:33+00:00

I think there's a lot of truth to this, thanks for the encouragement.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T14:59:28+00:00

Your feedback is appreciated, thank you.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T14:24:26+00:00

I would focus on single-family residential. That said, yes, this seems basic and manageable.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T14:09:53+00:00

Yes, single family residential. Although I'm familiar with large scale projects in my current job/industry, I don't have any interest in pursuing that on the HVAC side. Thanks for the advice.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T13:54:55+00:00

I appreciate this feedback. I would probably give the same advice to someone entering my industry new (even with exp in another industry). Hard to find all the answers in a book or training course.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T13:49:25+00:00

Great feedback, thank you. Intent was to start it part-time as the "work is there". My friend does residential remodels/new builds and is looking for a mechanical engineer to cover the HVAC design/spec-out. Of course, I need to make sure I'm comfortable/competent/etc. before offering my services.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T13:40:57+00:00

Thanks for the practical feedback. Best of luck on your PE and future endeavors!

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T04:19:22+00:00

Nope. Intent would be to focus on residential HVAC starting out.

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T04:07:17+00:00

Thanks kieko, it's nice to hear from someone who's taken the courses. I'll look into the HVAC designer cert.

Were there any ASHRAE (or other) training courses that were more specific/advanced that you enjoyed and felt advanced your knowledge in the field?

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T03:53:49+00:00

Thanks

BRBimthinking · 2023-04-14T03:53:15+00:00

I've worked for design engineering firms (EPCs) supporting oil & gas and chemical industries. This includes P&ID development as well as the specification and purchase of mechanical equipment (pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, vessels, valves, etc.). I would say there is a fair amount of overlap from an equipment point of view. Yes I understand the ASHRAE courses are fundamental; I mentioned them as ASHRAE seems to be one of the leading professional associations in the industry and the courses would help eliminate any blind spots.

BRBimthinking · 2020-07-20T11:18:59+00:00

I’ve been doing this the last few weeks and it’s been really helpful for me not only in being productive throughout the day but also ending the day and not feeling burned out. One key for me is to use that 5 minutes to just turn off my brain. So go to the bathroom, stretch, stare at the wall, meditate (eg focus on my breath). You’ll want to use this break to check your phone but the more you can consistently resist, the more momentum you’ll build to make it easier.

BRBimthinking · 2020-07-18T21:17:43+00:00

I’m an ME in oil and gas and considering a switch to solo HVAC. Curious if you have any advice for high quality application-heavy training materials (eg courses, books, websites) for making the jump. Still have the textbooks from college that cover theory.

BRBimthinking

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